reinvent the wheel
To do work unnecessarily when it has already been done satisfactorily by others; to attempt to devise a solution to a problem when a solution already exists.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't reinvent the wheel — use the existing template.”
“The manager told her team not to reinvent the wheel, since another department had already solved the same problem.”
“Rather than reinvent the wheel, the researchers built upon decades of established theory, saving years of redundant effort.”
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big wheel
A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
- 02
break the wheel
To end a pattern of oppression, inequality, injustice, or abuse.
- 03
fifth wheel
Anything superfluous or unnecessary.
- 04
grease the wheels
To create conditions likely to produce or hasten favorable future developments.
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hamster wheel
To cycle fruitlessly.
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hell on wheels
A situation that is tough, aggressive, lawless, and wild.
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set of wheels
A car.
- 08
set one's shoulder to the wheel
Synonym of put one's shoulder to the wheel.
Last updated August 10, 2026